Bethany Bandstand announces 2016 lineup
The Summer Concert Series on the Bethany Beach Bandstand will once again offer a diverse lineup for 2016. The stage will feature 50 acts designed to entertain audiences of all ages every weekend throughout the summer.
The season kicks off Memorial Day weekend with the United States Navy Cruisers on Saturday, May 28. Just like its namesake, the Cruiser ship, this band can handle anything and performs contemporary arrangements of pop, rock, jazz and standards. The Cruisers are one of six elite military bands returning to Bethany with their world-class musicians. Others include the Navy Sea Chanters, the Army Jazz Ambassadors and the 287th Army National Guard Concert Band.
The U.S.A.F. Celtic Aire debuts its Irish Folk repertoire on Saturday, July 16.
The series then takes a short break for the Seaside Craft Show on Saturday, June 4 when over 100 juried fine craft vendors will set up shop on the boardwalk, bandstand and downtown streets. The Joe Baione Jazz Trio will perform on the bandstand from 11 a.m. to 4.p.m.
Concerts resume on Friday, June 10 with Sons of Pirates, a Jimmy Buffet/Trop Rock inspired beach band. This is one of 13 tribute acts on the talent roster.
“Last season’s audiences got to experience a different musical genre each night of the weekend if they chose to,” Events Director Julie Malewski said. “They were excited about that and wanted more of the same for this year.”
According to surveys, tribute bands topped the wish list. On July 2, Desert Highway is scheduled to pay a timely homage to the Eagles in the wake of Glenn Frye’s passing. Others making their debut are Gringo Jingo (Santana) and Chicago Reloaded (Chicago) with a re-visit by Oh Boy! (Buddy Holly).
These groups join back-by-popular-demand tribute acts that have been an annual staple for the venue.
Cover bands are popular as well since they offer familiar songs from funk and Motown to rock, pop and country. Along with returning favorites, there will be seven new bands on the roster like local band Skinny Leg Pete, The Joseph Sisters out of Nashville and Washington D.C.’s La Unica Band. There will also be an opera performance on Sunday, July 24, highlighting a Gala with the Three Tenors.
On June 12, former bass player for Bad Company, Paul Cullen, will share his Tuscan-influenced acoustic music in a co-headlined evening with comedy singer-songwriter Todd Chappelle.
Rising country band The Stickers makes a return visit on Saturday, July 9 as they gain traction on Music Row and recognition on TV broadcast events such as the ABC series “Nashville” and the Daytona 500.
Wednesdays in July will again feature a Kids Club with child-friendly entertainment on the bandstand and Rehoboth Children’s Theater performances in Town Hall. Carnival Night launches on July 6 complete with face painters, Uncle Pete and a magic show by Dickens Parlor Theater.
The Talent Show will be held on Friday, August 19. This annual event showcases an impressive array of local and visiting talent with no age restrictions.
All events are free and sponsored by the Town of Bethany Beach. For a complete list of events and bios on these and other featured acts, visit www.townofbethanybeach.com under activities.